Hiddink open to Premier League return

Anzhi Makhachkala boss Guus Hiddink is keeping an open mind regarding a return to the Premier League, but the former Chelsea caretaker manager says he is enjoying his current role in Russia, reports Sky Sports.

The 66-year-old Dutchman made a positive impression during his brief spell coaching in England, and says he still has the energy for another big challenge.

Hiddink replaced Luis Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge in 2008/09, and guided Chelsea to a third place finish in the Premier League.

His most notable achievement was lifting the FA Cup in his final game as interim manager, which cemented his place in the hearts of Blues fans.

So popular was the former Russia head coach in west London, that he has been touted as a potential successor to Rafa Benitez at the end of the season, with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich known to have a good relationship with Hiddink.

Speaking ahead of Anzhi's Europa League last-16 second leg tie with Newcastle United tonight, Hiddink admitted that he missed Premier League football.

"Of course. I enjoyed very much the Premier League, of course and in my Chelsea time, we played here (at Newcastle) and had a good result here, I remember," he reflected.

"I enjoyed very much playing here. Overall, the Premier League is what every player likes to do and also the managers and coaches, they like to work in the big leagues, of course.

"I like very much the attitude of the players I had at Chelsea in my time. I liked very much the atmosphere in the stadiums, the public who enjoy very much and respect very much the way of playing."

Asked if he would be tempted by an offer to return to management in this country, Hiddink added: "I don't know because I'm not the youngest anymore, although I feel still very energetic and I love to be on the pitch almost every day with the guys.

"There is energy left, but I never can predict my future because a big part of the future is already behind me.

"I'd like to add a little sentence to that because it does seem in my answer that I'm not having a lot of joy in my current job, which is not true, I love the job which I am doing now.

"Anzhi are coming internationally from a small club. Within one year, the club image has increased a lot, the seriousness within the club and the way we are trying to play has given me also a lot of energy."

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